PostgreSQL 1618 SCRAM Iteration Count Disclosure via Auth Challenge
CVE-2026-14672 Published on August 13, 2026
PostgreSQL observable response discrepancy with non-default scram_iterations provides user existence oracle
Observable response discrepancy in PostgreSQL SCRAM authentication allows an unauthenticated user to test the existence of a user via observing the SCRAM iteration count. This requires the probed user to have a non-default scram_iterations count, because the authentication challenge for a nonexistent user reports the default scram_iterations. Within major versions 16-18, minor versions before PostgreSQL 18.5, 17.11, and 16.15 are affected. Versions before PostgreSQL 16 are unaffected.
Weakness Type
Observable Response Discrepancy
The product provides different responses to incoming requests in a way that reveals internal state information to an unauthorized actor outside of the intended control sphere. This issue frequently occurs during authentication, where a difference in failed-login messages could allow an attacker to determine if the username is valid or not. These exposures can be inadvertent (bug) or intentional (design).
Products Associated with CVE-2026-14672
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